MY2017 Honda Jazz & Odyssey updates announced

Honda Australia has announced some mild updates for the Jazz and Odyssey as part of the MY2017 rollout, with added features for some and design tweaks for others.

Starting with the MY17 Jazz, the VTi now comes with 15-inch alloy wheels as standard, despite being no increase in the starting price. The rest of the Jazz range remains unchanged, with the VTi-S and VTi-L continuing at the top end of the lineup.

As for the Odyssey, the best-selling VTi-L variant gets a revised front end with a dark chrome upper grille and a black three-bar section below. There’s also darkened headlight surrounds, and tinted windows for the rear portion of the cabin.

Also for the exterior, Honda has replaced the Carnelian Red Pearl paint option with a new Premium Spice Purple Pearl. This is available on both the VTi and VTi-L.

Inside, Honda has fit ISOFIX child seat anchorage points for the captain’s chairs in the second row, increasing practicality for young families. The VTi and VTi-L also get split-pocket storage in the backs of the front seats.

Although only minor, the updates should help the Odyssey remain as the best-selling MPV in the below-$60k segment. Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said:

“Honda’s Odyssey is the clear people mover of choice for private buyers in the under $60,000 segment, commanding just under 50 per cent of all sales in that sector of the market… these latest styling and equipment updates are sure to lift its appeal with customers, as well as improve its competitive position in the market.”

During 2016 Honda Australia sold 2712 Odyssey models, down 4.4 per cent from 2015. It held a 22.5 per cent share of the specific market segment. The Jazz went out to 8316 buyers in 2016, down 15.5 per cent on its 2015 efforts. In 2016, it held a 9.3 per cent market share.

The updated models are on sale now, arriving in dealerships during February, with prices starting from the following (excludes on-road costs):

Brett is the editor and founder of PerformanceDrive. He's obsessed with driving, having played with Matchbox cars until he was tall enough to drive a real one. After initially working as a mechanic, Brett earned a degree in journalism and entered media as an editorial assistant at Top Gear Australia magazine. He then worked at CarAdvice.com.au. His dream is to live next door to the Nurburgring in Germany.